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License of driver in deadly Newton crash suspended

NEWTON, Mass. — FOX25 has learned that the driver of a car that crashed into a Newton restaurant Tuesday night has had his license suspended.

Neighbors and family friends tell FOX25 Brad Casler was the driver.

FOX25 cameras captured Casler sitting up on a stretcher and speaking with paramedics at the scene of the crash.

Casler was behind the wheel of the Volkswagen Tiguan that ran a red light at the bottom of Chestnut Street, crossed Washington Street, and crashed into the Sweet Tomatoes restaurant. Two people were killed and seven others hospitalized.

FOX25 knocked at the door of a Newton home neighbors say Casler shares with his mother, but no one answered.

The RMV says law enforcement will often ask them to suspend someone’s license in this kind of incident.

Jack porter tells FOX25 Casler was his student at a real estate school, years ago.

Porter says he doesn't believe Casler would do anything to jeopardize others, and thinks this crash was a total accident. He said he thinks Casler might have suffered from some sort of medical episode.